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CELCIS welcomes national inquiry into historic abuse

Posted on December 17 2014

The Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland (CELCIS), based at the University of Strathclyde, has welcomed the national inquiry into historic abuse announced to the Scottish Parliament today (Wednesday 17 December) by Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Angela Constance.

This is a further significant step forward following the range of commitments already made by Scottish Government to address the Interaction Plan and needs of survivors.

Professor Andy Kendrick, Head of the School of Social Work and Social Policy at the University of Strathclyde, said: ‘It is a testament to survivors that we have reached the point of an Inquiry. This follows a long campaign by survivors to achieve justice. We have been privileged to work with survivors and other key organisations through the Interaction on historic abuse of children in care.’

CELCIS looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with survivors, key organisations and the Scottish Government in taking this groundbreaking process forward.

These organisations include In Care Survivors Service Scotland (ICSSS), a partnership led by Open Secret. The service acknowledges that, while the announcement of the National Inquiry is very welcome, it may trigger difficult feelings for survivors. In recognition of this, the service will be remaining open over the festive period, with the exception of 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January.

If you would like support from In Care Survivors Service Scotland, please call 01324 630100 between 9am and 4pm.

Notes to Editors:

CELCIS, the Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland strives to improve the experiences and life chances of children and young people in Scotland who are looked after, their families, and those who have left care. We do this by working alongside the professionals who touch their lives, and the wider systems responsible for their care.

We work in innovative ways, promoting learning and reflection with strategic leaders, managers and with practitioners, as well as across whole systems. We deliver professional development services, consultancy and service improvement, and policy and evidence implementation using a range of improvement methodologies to ensure continuing and lasting improvements.

Professor Andy Kendrick has worked with CELCIS leading the Interaction on historic abuse in child care in Scotland.